The Best Horror Movies of 2020 So Far (with Reviews!)
Marcos Codas
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Every Decemeber, we make a list naming our favorite films released that year. You can see our lists for 2017 and some solid picks for 2019 by Jerry and Josh. We’re nearing the end of 2020, so we thought we’d try something a bit different: a rolling list. Meet our “Best Horror Movies of 2020” list… so far. We’ll share our favorite film of the year in this list, for the duration of the year. If our picks change, we’ll update the list. That way, you don’t need to wait to know if a film released in March is worth checking out. We will do our usual per-member Top 10 list, worry not! But in the meantime, here are our favorites so far. Enjoy!
Jerry’s pick: Alone (4.5 Stars | Read the Review)
This one caught me totally off guard. Easily one of the most intense rides I’ve been on in quite some time, the John Hyams-helmed Alone is a true example of taking a simple concept and turning it into an edge of your seat adventure. Anchored by a pair of performances by Jules Wilcox and OZARK’s Marc Menchaca, the film takes the paranoia we all feel when traveling alone and makes it real and blood-curdling.
Menchaca’s cold and calculated performance adds to the already existing fear of traveling alone, making for one of the most entertaining and scary films I’ve seen in a long, long time. I’m never getting in a car alone again. Definitely one of the best horror movies of 2020.
Tyler’s pick: The Dark Red (Read the Review)
One of the films that really impressed me this year is Dan Bush’s The Dark Red. It is a layered tale with well-developed characters that keeps the audience guessing until the end.
The performances are engaging and the action sequences are pulse-pounding.
The film takes its time getting to the finale but your patience will be richly rewarded. Since the flick debuted during the onset of the pandemic, I think it may have been overlooked by a lot of viewers. If you haven’t seem it, I highly recommend seeking out The Dark Red.
Marcos’ pick: Darkness in Tenement 45 (5 stars | Read the Review)
Set sometime in a dystopian version of the 1950s, Darkness in Tenement 45 is a layered, complex and gorgeous look at complex human dynamics under adverse conditions. As it was made before the pandemic, the filmmakers couldn’t possibly realize how relevant the topic of isolation due to a biohazard would be in 2020.
Add this newfound relevance to a film deeply rotted in exploring mid-century social issues, and aesthetics inspired by Fallout and Biohazard, and you get one of the best horror movies of 2020.
Michelle’s pick: After Midnight (5 Stars | Read the Review)
Jeremy Gardner is an incredibly talented writer and director and his ability to present relatable stories about relationships is second to none.
After Midnight is equal parts monster movie and love story that takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Gardner takes you on an intimate journey as each of the characters experience grief, joy, and terror and it’s very easy to feel what the characters are feeling. The cast of After Midnight is absolutely outstanding; Brea Grant has a monologue that will break your heart and move you to tears.
Henry Zebrowski is hilarious and one sequence where he explains why he thinks cats are evil is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Justin Benson expertly displays deadpan humor that makes him really fun to watch; and Gardner portrays a man who loses the love of his life and wonders if he is descending into madness in such a skillful way that you can’t help but feel what he’s feeling. The karaoke scene towards the end of the movie is delightful and contains a shocking scare that actually made me scream. My favorite thing about After Midnight might be the monster. I am in love with the monster.
Drew’s pick: The Dark and the Wicked (Read the Review)
With the November release of Bryan Bertino’s The Dark and the Wicked on the horizon, horror fans have one of the most haunting films of the year coming up to help combat the post-Halloween blues.
Both Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott, Jr. give traumatized, sorrowful performances as a brother and sister coming to grips with the fact that a deeply dark, mischievous presence wants to rip out the soul of everyone they hold dear.
With Bertino’s near flawless family nightmare, some of the most disturbing imagery of the year comes just in time for Thanksgiving. Beware.
Check back soon, as we’ll have more picks for best horror movies of 2020!
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